Lazer G1: Cool Looks That Cool

Do you want a lightweight, breathable helmet, or an aero one? While you can’t quite have both simultaneously (yet, or perhaps ever), you can have one helmet that can be either on any given day—and that looks good doing it!

• Lazer’s lightest helmet ever.
• Lazer claims it vents better than a bare head.
• Optional Aeroshell turns it into an aero helmet—or cold weather companion.

The Details

The G1 is the lightest helmet ever made by Lazer. Our size medium weighed in at 212 grams—slightly more than the 200g claimed on the sticker in the helmet, but featherweight nonetheless.

(As a note, we tested the European version, called the Genesis. The CPSC version for the U.S. market is a claimed 230g in a size small, but the fit, ventilation and retention system should be basically identical to the one tested here.)

One of the big contributing factors to this helmet’s low weight is its ample vents; the porousness gives Green Bay fans a run for their money in the headwear department. Twenty-two total vents provide cooling for all day comfort on hot rides. Lazer even claims that the G1 vents so well that it’s 8 percent cooler than a bare head. To increase aerodynamics, or to provide a little extra protection from the elements and cold weather, there is an optional 46-gram Aeroshell that attaches nearly seamlessly, while leaving the rear exhaust ports free to vent hot air.

The G1 uses Lazer’s patented Advanced Rollsys System. Instead of a dial in the rear with indexed clicks that tighten with uneven pressure, Rollsys uses a thumb dial atop the helmet that provides continuous adjustment with even pressure around the entire head. As a bonus, this design clears up room in the back for a ponytail. To further adjust fit, there are two sets of padding included, a lighter race version and a heavier comfort version.

The G1 retails for $220, with a MIPS version costing an extra $20—and we’d always recommend going with the MIPS version.

The Ride

Without fail, anyone donning this helmet notices the lack of weight almost immediately. It’s easy to forget that you’re even wearing a helmet. The dialed-in fit helps in this department too.

The fit of the Rollsys retention system is more dependent on getting the rear head cradle height right than any other retention system. Set it wrong and the helmet sits too high on the head, providing the retention system with a looser grip than the claw game at an arcade. But once that back cradle is set correctly, the G1 fits snuggly and tightens with even pressure around the entire head for a very comfortable fit. The only annoying part is that cradle adjustment system can be difficult to dial in to the exact setting you want. But once it’s set, it shouldn’t need adjusting ever again. Factor in the soft straps that adjust easily both at the chin and ears and this is easily one of the most comfortable helmets to come through the Peloton Service Course.

The G1 also handles sweltering days with flying colors. We can’t definitively say it’s eight percent better than not wearing a helmet—because we always ride with one—but it’s noticeably cool. Plus, it’s nice to have the option to snap on the Aeroshell for cooler race days or winter training sessions.

And we have to mention that the G1 looks great too.

$220; 212g (medium, European CE version); lazersport.com